When my kids were toddlers, a simple walk could make me anxious: What if he puts a pine cone in his mouth? What if she stabs herself with that stick she’s waving around like a wand? But, the thing that I’ve always found most frightening are those unexpected dangers. For example, you’ve probably heard that detergent pods are a poison hazard, but did you realise that the band you use to tie your hair back for the gym is also a threat to your kids’ safety? Here, a complete list of common household items to watch out for (and keep away from your kids).

Shannon Guyton is a Los Angeles-based freelance writer whose kids think she's the craziest mum they know. (She takes this as a compliment.) From fertility issues to pregnancy guilt, colic to breastfeeding problems, sleep rebellions to poo rockets, stay home mum to working mum, she loves to share in the funny, amazing, and bumpy parts of motherhood. She currently needs your help navigating puberty -- it's happening in her household and it's scaring the crap out of her. Connect with her on Twitter @shannonguyton or on her blog WordswithCoffee.com.